WATERBURY — Washington Elementary School Principal Roxanne Augelli asks what would happen if a gunman were to shoot her and her secretary? Who would broadcast an alert to the school?

These sorts of concerns have hung heavy on school staff since the massacre of 20 young students and six staff in Newtown a week ago. Augelli puts the questions to School Inspector John Cross during a safety inspection Friday. Her tone suggests she's a lot less worried about what happens to her than what might happen next.

"That's what we are losing sleep about," Augelli told Cross.

School officials and police brass have committed to reviewing security at each school in the wake of last week's massacre of 20 children and six staff at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown. A report with recommendations is expected in about two weeks.

Waterbury has stationed police at all schools since the shooting. Officials are still not certain when they'll be withdrawn.

Friday was Washington's turn for inspection.

Cross showed up at the school with his deputy, George D'Agostino, at 10 a.m. They were met by Police Capt. Christopher Corbett and Police Lt. Robert Maxwell. They interviewed Augelli and toured the building. The process took about 45 minutes.

A few concerns were readily apparent.

Driving winds pushed rain through a rear door. The moisture sets off the alarm. The school's cameras are outdated. But not nearly so much as the clunky looking intercom system.

Augelli asks at least four times, maybe more, for "working" window blinds, ones that can be pulled down in case of emergency. Cross notes that Augelli's office is away from the front door, complicating efforts to keep tabs on visitors.

All in all, however, Washington is in good shape.

It's ground-level windows are equipped with mesh panes that can't be easily smashed out. The building's classrooms have heavy wood doors with narrow observation slits. These doors are locked at all times. Augelli has to knock and knock to gain access to one classroom. Inside, students are watching "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer."

Statistically, schools remain among the safest places for children, even comparing favorably to the average home, experts note.

Washington staff have naturally wondered how their precautions would hold up, Augelli concedes. But they've also worked to reassure students. Washington's social worker has met with anxious students, and spoken to groups in classrooms, Augelli said.

Walking through the cafeteria / auditorium near the school center, Cross says a gunman would have a hard time finding the room deep inside the school. The gathering place also offers several points of escape.

Augelli said having to contemplate such things makes her sick.

"The sad thing is I have to go do this today," Cross said. "School's weren't designed like this, to keep people out."

Follow Us

Athena wrote on Dec 22, 2012 12:00 PM:

" COLUMBINE STUDENT'S FATHER 12 YEARS LATER !! Guess our national leaders didn't expect this. On Thursday, Darrell Scott, the father of Rachel Scott, a victim of the Columbine High School shootings in Littleton, Colorado, was invited to address the House Judiciary Committee's subcommittee. What he said to our national leaders during this special session of Congress was painfully truthful.

They were not prepared for what he was to say, nor was it received well. It needs to be heard by every parent, every teacher, every politician, every sociologist, every psychologist, and every so-called expert! These courageous words spoken by Darrell Scott are powerful, penetrating, and deeply personal. There is no doubt that God sent this man as a voice crying in the wilderness.. The following is a portion of the transcript: "Since the dawn of creation there has been both good & evil in the hearts of men and women. We all contain the seeds of kindness or the seeds of violence. The death of my wonderful daughter, Rachel Joy Scott, and the deaths of that heroic teacher, and the other eleven children who died must not be in vain. Their blood cries out for answers.

"The first recorded act of violence was when Cain slew his brother Abel out in the field. The villain was not the club he used.. Neither was it the NCA, the National Club Association. The true killer was Cain, and the reason for the murder could only be found in Cain's heart.

"In the days that followed the Columbine tragedy, I was amazed at how quickly fingers began to be pointed at groups such as the NRA. I am not a member of the NRA. I am not a hunter. I do not even own a gun. I am not here to represent or defend the NRA - because I don't believe that they are responsible for my daughter's death.

Therefore I do not believe that they need to be defended. If I believed they had anything to do with Rachel's murder I would be their strongest opponent.

I am here today to declare that Columbine was not just a tragedy -- it was a spiritual event that should be forcing us to look at where the real blame lies! Much of the blame lies here in this room. Much of the blame lies behind the pointing fingers of the accusers themselves. I wrote a poem just four nights ago that expresses my feelings best.

"Men and women are three-part beings. We all consist of body, mind, and spirit. When we refuse to acknowledge a third part of our make-up, we create a void that allows evil, prejudice, and hatred to rush in and wreak havoc. Spiritual presences were present within our educational systems for most of our nation's history. Many of our major colleges began as theological seminaries. This is a historical fact. What has happened to us as a nation? We have refused to honor God, and in so doing, we open the doors to hatred and violence. And when something as terrible as Columbine's tragedy occurs -- politicians immediately look for a scapegoat such as the NRA. They immediately seek to pass more restrictive laws that contribute to erode away our personal and private liberties. We do not need more restrictive laws. Eric and Dylan would not have been stopped by metal detectors. No amount of gun laws can stop someone who spends months planning this type of massacre. The real villain lies within our own hearts.

"As my son Craig lay under that table in the school library and saw his two friends murdered before his very eyes, he did not hesitate to pray in school. I defy any law or politician to deny him that right! I challenge every young person in America , and around the world, to realize that on April 20, 1999, at Columbine High School prayer was brought back to our schools. Do not let the many prayers offered by those students be in vain. Dare to move into the new millennium with a sacred disregard for legislation that violates your God-given right to communicate with Him. To those of you who would point your finger at the NRA -- I give to you a sincere challenge.. Dare to examine your own heart before casting the first stone!

My daughter's death will not be in vain! The young people of this country will not allow that to happen!"

Post a reader comment

We encourage your feedback and dialog. Please be civil and respectful.If you're witty, to the point and quotable, your reader comments may also be included on the Around the Towns page of The Sunday Republican. Readers must be registered and logged in to post comments on the site. Registration is free. Click Here to register.
A Subscription is not required to post comments only a Registration.